We are making our way in a changing Europe. Entrenched mindsets are giving way and new realities are being shaped. New trends are creating new challenges. And one of these – for the whole of Europe – is the major energy challenge, including energy sufficiency and cost. In the face of this new state of affairs, Greece is being called upon to consider what its position can and must be on the geopolitical chessboard of energy resource production and transport.
Greece is in an advantageous position in Southeast Europe. At a pivotal point on the routes between the exporting countries of the East and South and the importing countries of the West, Greece can and must play a leading role in European Energy Policy. With this objective, which is a strategic priority of Prime Minister Samaras, Greece is developing a dynamic, outward-oriented and multifaceted energy foreign policy. The crisis necessitates not only our exploiting every opportunity, but also our creating new opporunties and fields of cooperation with our major, traditional, and new partners.
In this context we are pursuing the development of international cooperation with prioritized goals that guarantee the security and diversity of sources and transport corridors. Synergies that are the best possible defence for our country’s key position on the global energy map, as a trusted and security energy hub leading to Europe. We are returning to priority status all major energy transport projects that facilitate the supplying of Greece and Europe in general, passing through Greek territory. Already in the planning stage are infrastructure projects for transport and services aimed at supporting the country’s growth and securing Europe’s energy supply.
At the same time, confirmation of major hydrocarbon deposits in regions of Greece, along with the considerable dynamic we have in renewable energy sources, is opening up new prospects for covering energy needs and for attracting investments. So we can see that significant economic benefits can accrue for our country. Attraction of foreign investment interest and the creation of jobs will bring much-needed relief – in the form of growth – to the beleaguered Greek economy.
Within the framework of our National Energy Planning, we are moving ahead with the relevant procedures at various sites in Greece (Ioannina, Patraikos, Katakolo) where it is estimated that there are petroleum deposits of up to 250 million barrels. We are also promoting exploration for significant deposits in the Ionian and south of Crete, where expectations are high due to the fact that the region is contiguous with the Eastern Mediterranean basin, where major deposits of natural gas have been found, including at Israel’s Leviathan field and Cyprus’s Field 12.
Peoples’ histories are marked by pivotal periods – times when they need to decide on and delineate their future. And the current recession in Greece is one such period; a time of decisive importance. There are no easy solutions at difficult times. We have boldly made major, necessary reforms, at a high political cost. But whatever the cost, it cannot be compared to the value of a better outlook for our country. At this critical crossroads, one road – the one that looks easy – leads to social collapse and economic stagnation. The other road is a hard one, with obstacles, but it will enable us – if we join forces and work hard – to bring our country out of the crisis.
This has to be our choice. The response to the pathogens that kept our country stagnant, weak and self-absorbed is simple: A new, responsible policy and a strategy for growth that capitalizes on the country’s creative energies.
November 27, 2012